Acha Osbeorn

Challenges Entered: Stretch That Comfort Zone!, “Ooo, Shiny!” – A Goldwork Embroidery Challenge

Project: Sweete Bag

East Kingdom Wiki: https://wiki.eastkingdom.org/index.php?title=Acha_Osbeorn

Sweete Bags are small purses often embroidered in silk and gold that were popular late period in England. I am basing my piece on this http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O74996/purse-unknown/ , which is dated 1600-1625.

The goals of this project are to improve my skills with metal thread and filament silk as I have not done much work with either previously and to learn to use a Slate Frame.

Most of my time on for this challenge so far was spent practicing plaited braid stitch, but as a result I felt confident when doing the stitch using metal thread. I started on the smaller pincushion as I only had a limited amount of real metal thread. The rest will be completed with Benton & Johnson 371 thread, which is a synthetic thread that is simular to #4 passing.

I have started doing the outlines using tent stitch using 2 plies of Soie do Paris. Keeping this neat has been more of a struggle. In hindsight I could have used a smaller frame or one with feet that would allow me better access to the back while working.

It took a few attempts at mounting the fabric to get the Slate Frame to have the proper tension and there is still some room for improvement, but for larger pieces I can see it being a very good option as the tension can be tightened without removing the work. I still prefer stretcher bar frames for smaller pieces.

Materials:

No. 4 Smooth Passing Thread - Gilt

Soie de Paris

40 Count Linen

More pictures and documentation: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1sdKN3TdzMSxJNbEhr8ch1XwRzAwaqg3B

Guðrún Sveinsdóttir (Rosie of Mtn Freehold) wrote on June 7th, 2021

Impressive work so far! I really enjoyed learning about your process and seeing the extant inspirations -- this is going to look so fabulous when it's done! The braided goldwork is new to me...I loved learning about it, and it looks fantastic (practice makes perfect!). Thank you for sharing your work!

Elizabet Marshall wrote on June 4th, 2021

Fantastic work so far. I love that you've got so many learning/growing points in one piece. I'm always in favor of testing/learning/sampling, and including pictures of that is a bonus. Looking forward to seeing it as a finished piece -- at an Athena's Thimble panel some time maybe? :)

Amalie von Hohensee wrote on May 29th, 2021

This piece is off to a wonderful start!! Thank you for showing us your practice experience with plaited braid stitch - you took on a challenging stitch, but by taking the time and effort to do practice pieces, the work on your final piece is really excellent. Well done!!

Eleazar ha_Levi wrote on May 29th, 2021

A lovely piece of work; thanks for sharing the details with us.

Amy Webbe wrote on May 24th, 2021

This is such an ambitious piece, and it's turning out so well! I think you are off to a great start. :)

Isabel del Okes wrote on May 24th, 2021

Wow! This is very cool! I am in awe of what you are accomplishing with this piece with so many new techniques and skills. I can't wait to see the finished piece. I know it will be stunning.